Discover the Royal Grand Palace, an astonishing 60-acre (25-ha) Bangkok landmark that features spectacular Thai architecture. Tour the complex's temples and pagodas, including magnificent Wat Phra Kaew—the Temple of the Emerald Buddha.

Head toward the the official residence of the Kings of Siam and Thailand—the Royal Grand Palace, built in 1782. Your guide shares insight into the architectural styles and Thai decorative techniques on display in the riverside compound.

Cross the lawns and courtyards to reach Wat Phra Kaew. Regarded as the most sacred temple in Thailand, this temple's main building houses the 26-inch-tall (66-cm) Emerald Buddha, an astonishing, centuries-old statue carved from one large piece of jade. The Buddha's gold outfits are changed by the king during a special ceremony at the start of each new season to bring good fortune to the country.

Next, roam the complex of the Grand Palace with your guide, admiring the proud golden domes, inspirational spires, mosaics of glass or porcelain, and exotic, richly carved wall murals. Depending on religious ceremonies and royal visits, you might even be able to enter the Coronation Hall and Royal Funeral Hall before leaving, making a stop to shop at the Gems Gallery on your way back to your hotel.

Highlights

Spectacular architecture of Bangkok's historic Grand Palace

A visit to marvelous Emerald Buddha Temple—Wat Phra Keow

Cultural insights at Coronation Hall & Royal Funeral Hall

Stop at Gems Gallery International, the world's biggest jewellery and gems centre, for as long as you like.

Inclusions

Guided tour of the Grand Palace

Admission fees

Transportation by comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle

Live tour commentary provided in English

Exclusions

Meals and beverages

Hotel pick up

Additional info

Children 1 and younger are complimentary when accompanied by a paying adult. Children over 3 feet and 11 inches (120 cm) are charged as adults.

Children 11 and younger must be accompanied by a paying adult.

Dress code: No sleeveless tops showing shoulders. No see-through garments. No dresses above the knee. No short pants or three quarter pants. No sports-wear. (Should visitors be required to change, there are places just outside the palace where inexpensive, yet appropriate , clothing can be bought).

At the end of this tour we will visit Gems Gallery International, the world's biggest jewellery and gem centre. Transport back to your hotel will be available when you wish to leave. Just inform your guide or Gems Gallery staff.

Tour does not include hotel pick up (except Narai Hotel as this is the tour's departure point) and IS NOT refundable. Please make your way to Narai Hotel, 222 Silom Road, Bangkok and meet at the Tour East Desk in the lobby no later than 7.45am. (The tour including hotel pick up IS refundable).